Image forming system and method of controlling image forming system

ABSTRACT

A configuration of an image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus and at least one of a paper feed apparatus and a post-process apparatus is defined based on system configuration information including a combination of identification information for the apparatuses and setting information for the order of arrangement of the apparatuses corresponding to the identification information without using a dedicated line connection.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/880,332, filed Sep. 13, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/469,744, filed Sep. 1, 2006, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,843,584, issued Nov. 30, 2010. The entire disclosure of thedocuments cited in this section are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming system and method ofcontrolling image forming system. In particular, it relates to an imageforming system that defines a configuration of an image forming systembased on system configuration information including a combination ofidentification information for apparatuses and setting information forthe order of arrangement of the apparatus corresponding to theidentification information, and a method of controlling the imageforming system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, as the speed and image quality of electrophotographic imageforming apparatuses and inkjet printing apparatuses increase, a schemereferred to as print on demand (POD) that can handle a large number ofcopies and a large amount of jobs has appeared.

According to the POD, in an office environment including an imageforming apparatus, and a post-process apparatus having a book bindingfunction and a cutting function and a paper feed apparatus that feedsvarious types of recording sheets to the image forming apparatus thatare connected to the image forming apparatus, a print process and a postprocess are carried out so that the needs of individual operators aresatisfied.

In a conventional image forming system applied to the POD composed of aplurality of apparatuses including an image forming apparatus, a paperfeed apparatus and a post-process apparatus, the order of connection andorder of arrangement of the apparatuses are defined by a dedicated lineinterconnecting the apparatuses. Each apparatus transmits or receivesdata concerning print jobs to or from the other apparatuses bycommunication through the dedicated line, and a series of print jobsincluding paper feed, image formation and post process is therebycarried out.

Alternatively, in the image forming system, a post-process apparatus orthe like can be newly connected to the network, and the print job can beprocessed using the function of the post-process apparatus or the like.However, in this case also, a dedicated line connection is required todefine the arrangement of the apparatuses in the image forming system(see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 06-219597 and 11-232243).

In the conventional image forming system, the image forming apparatus,the paper feed apparatus, the post-process apparatus and the like areconnected to each other by the dedicated line, so that the configurationof the image forming system and the arrangement of the apparatusestherein are permanently determined. Thus, it is difficult to flexiblychange the order of arrangement of the apparatuses in the image formingsystem or add a new apparatus to the image forming system to conform tousage by individual users (the print type or the content of the postprocess). In addition, if an apparatus in the image forming system doesnot operate, for example, if an apparatus is not powered on and does notoperate, the entire image forming system fails to perform apredetermined function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been devised in view of the prior artdescribed above, and an object of the present invention is to provide animage forming technique that enables a configuration of an image formingsystem to be defined based on system configuration information includinga combination of identification information (node IDs) for apparatusesand setting information for the order of arrangement of the apparatusescorresponding to the identification information (node IDs) without usinga dedicated line connection.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an imageforming technique that defines a system configuration composed ofavailable apparatuses and ensures the operation of the image formingsystem even in the case where some apparatuses are not powered on at thetime of activation of the image forming system and thus not all theapparatuses registered in the system configuration information can beused.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an imageforming technique that monitors a change of node IDs on the networkafter the system is defined and can redefine the system at any time asrequired, so that even if an apparatus is powered on later, theapparatus powered on later can be added to the image forming systemwithout affecting the apparatuses that are operating in the previouslydefined system.

In order to attain any of the objects described above, an image formingapparatus and a method of controlling an image forming apparatusaccording to the present invention are characterized by the featuresdescribed below.

According to the present invention, the foregoing object is attained byproviding an image forming system comprises an image forming apparatusand a sheet processing apparatus attached to the image formingapparatus, the image forming apparatus and the sheet processingapparatus each being capable of being connected to a network, the imageforming system comprising:

a storage unit that stores identification information for identifyingthe sheet processing apparatus connected to the network and informationfor an order of arrangement of the apparatuses; and

a definition unit that defines a system configuration for imageformation based on the for a result of communication with the sheetprocessing apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the foregoingobject is attained by providing a method of controlling an image formingsystem comprising an image forming apparatus and a sheet processingapparatus attached to the image forming apparatus, the image formingapparatus and the sheet processing apparatus each being connected to anetwork, the method comprising:

a system configuration registration step of registering, in a storageunit, identification information for identifying the sheet processingapparatuses connected to the network and information for the order ofthe apparatuses;

a communication step of communicating with the sheet processingapparatus connected to the network; and

a definition step of defining the system configuration for imageformation based on the information stored in the storage unit andinformation for the result of communication with the sheet processingapparatus.

According to the present invention, a configuration of an image formingsystem can be defined based on system configuration informationincluding a combination of identification information for apparatusesand setting information for the order of arrangement of the apparatusescorresponding to the identification information without using adedicated line connection.

In addition, even in the case where some apparatuses are not powered onat the time of activation of the image forming system, and thus not allthe apparatuses registered in the system configuration information canbe used, a system configuration composed of available apparatuses can bedefined, and the operation of the image forming system can be ensured.

In addition, a change in the identification information on the networkcan be monitored after the system is defined, and the system can beredefined at any time as required. Thus, even if an apparatus is poweredon later, the apparatus powered on later can be added to the imageforming system without affecting the apparatuses that are operating inthe previously defined system.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connection configuration of an imageforming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection configuration of an imageforming system provided as a result of rearrangement of the apparatusesof the image forming system and addition of a new apparatus;

FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit ofan image forming apparatus and a configuration of a control unit ofanother apparatus existing on a network;

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of software stored inthe image forming apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a manipulation unit ofthe image forming apparatus;

FIG. 5 shows a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display unit;

FIG. 6 shows a system configuration display screen (at the time ofinitial installation);

FIG. 7 shows a system configuration setting screen for setting the typesand arrangement of apparatuses in the image forming system;

FIG. 8 shows a system configuration setting screen (after completion ofinput);

FIG. 9 shows a system configuration setting screen (after completion ofsetting);

FIG. 10 shows a system configuration setting screen (at the time ofreconfiguration);

FIG. 11 shows a system configuration setting screen (after completion ofreconfiguration);

FIG. 12 shows a screen displayed when the system is powered on;

FIG. 13 shows a screen displayed when the system is powered on accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a screen displayed when an apparatus is powered on in thecourse of operation according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for illustrating a flow of a process of settingand registering a system configuration;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for illustrating a flow of a process of defininga system configuration; and

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for illustrating a flow of a process ofmonitoring the network.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment Connection Configurationof Image Forming System

In the following, a first embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing aconnection configuration of an image forming system according to thisembodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an imageforming apparatus (referred to also as “engine” hereinafter” (ID1) thatperforms image formation on a recording medium including a recordingsheet (referred to as “sheet” hereinafter) is disposed at the center. Onthe upstream side of the engine (ID1) (on the right side in FIG. 1),paper feed decks (ID11, ID12, ID13), which are sheet processingapparatuses that supply sheets to the engine (ID1), are disposed. On thedownstream side of the engine (ID1) (on the left side in FIG. 1),inserters (ID21, ID22) for sheet processing are disposed as a paper feedapparatus or post-process apparatus that inserts a cover sheet orinserting paper between sheets with images formed thereon by the engine(ID1).

In addition, on the downstream side of the inserter (ID22) (on the leftside in FIG. 1), a puncher (ID31) which is sheet processing is disposedas a post-process apparatus that punches a hole in a sheet carried fromthe engine (ID1) and the inserters (ID21, ID22). Furthermore, for sheetprocessing, stackers (ID51, ID52) that store a stack of punched sheets,a finisher (ID2) that performs a post-process such as stapling andsorting, and the like are disposed. The engine (ID1), the paper feeddecks (ID11 to ID13), the inserters (ID21, ID22), the puncher (ID31),the stackers (ID51, ID52) and the finisher (ID2) are each connected toeach other via a network 101, such as an LAN. Each apparatus has anetwork identifier (ID) that enables the apparatus to be identified onthe network 101. Each apparatus can communicate with the otherapparatuses based on a communication system such as Arcnet (registeredtrademark). Each apparatus (the inserter (ID22), for example) cancommunicate a command concerning the image formation only with theapparatus immediately upstream thereof (the inserter (ID21)), theapparatus immediately downstream thereof (the puncher (ID31)) and theengine (ID1) but can receive node-ID search information, statusinformation or the like from any apparatus without regard to the node IDof the transmitting apparatus (the engine (ID1), for example).

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection configuration of an imageforming system provided by rearrangement of the image forming systemshown in FIG. 1 and addition of a new apparatus.

The image forming system shown in FIG. 2 differs from the image formingsystem shown in FIG. 1 in that for sheet processing, a trimmer (ID201)that cuts the edges of bundled sheets ejected from the finisher (ID2) isadditionally provided on the downstream side of the finisher (ID2) (onthe left side in FIG. 2). In addition, the image forming system in FIG.2 differs from the system in FIG. 1 in that the paper feed decks ID12and ID13 change places with each other and that an informationprocessing apparatus (ID250) is additionally connected to the system.

The newly connected trimmer (ID201) is also connected to the network 101and can communicate with the other apparatuses based on the samecommunication system, such as Arcnet (registered trademark). However,for a command concerning the cutting and status information or the like,the trimmer (ID201) does not communicate directly with the engine (ID1)but communicate with the apparatus immediately upstream thereof (thefinisher (ID2)) on a one-to-one basis. Therefore, viewed from the engine(ID1), the trimmer (ID201) is recognized as an optional function of thefinisher (ID2). However, the trimmer (ID201) can receive thecommunication from the engine (ID1) when the engine (ID1) searches forthe node ID.

The communication system used in the present invention is not limited toArcnet (registered trademark), and any communication protocol usingother telecommunications lines may be used.

(Configuration of Control Unit)

FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit ofan image forming apparatus (engine (ID1)) 300 and a configuration of acontrol unit of another apparatus 2200 connected to the network 101(referred to as “network apparatus” hereinafter), such as the paper feedapparatuses (ID11, ID12, ID13) and the finisher (ID2).

In FIG. 3A, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU that performs a basiccontrol of the image forming apparatus 300, and reference numeral 306denotes an ROM in which a control program 350 and an application program353 (see FIG. 3B) are written. Reference numeral 305 denotes an RAM thatserves as a work area for executing processings of the control program.A region of the RAM 305 serves as a backup RAM, the data in which is noterased after the image forming apparatus 300 is powered off.

An input/output port 304 is connected to an address bus and a data busand allows output of control signals to various load devices, such as amotor and a clutch, controlled by the CPU 301 of the image formingapparatus 300 and input of a sensor signal from a sensor that detectsthe position of a sheet or the like. The CPU 301 can control the variousload devices, such as a motor and a clutch, via the input-output port304 in accordance with the content of the control program stored in theROM 306, thereby administering the performance of the image formation.

In addition, the CPU 301 is connected to a manipulation unit 303 andcontrols the display and key input on the manipulation unit 303. A usercan instruct the CPU 301 to change the operation mode of the imageforming apparatus 300 or the display on the manipulation unit 303 by keyinput. In addition, the CPU 301 can control a display unit of themanipulation unit 303 to make it display the operational state of theimage forming apparatus 300 or the operation mode set by key input.

Instead of key input, the user can set the operation mode or the like ofthe image forming apparatus 300 from the information processingapparatus (ID200). Based on the setting performed on the informationprocessing apparatus (ID200), the CPU 301 controls the performance ofthe image forming apparatus and a processing concerning the definitionof the image forming system according to this embodiment.

Furthermore, an image processing unit 308 that processes an electricsignal converted from an image signal and an image memory unit 302 thatstores a processed image are connected to the CPU 301.

Reference numeral 307 denotes a communication interface (IF) that allowsthe CPU 301 to communicate with the network apparatus 2200. The CPU 301can communicate with a CPU 2201 of the network apparatus 2200 via thecommunication IF 307 of the image forming apparatus 300 and acommunication IF 2204 of the network apparatus 2200. When the CPU 301transmits, to each network apparatus, a signal to request for the nodeID of the apparatus, in response to the request, the network apparatus2200 transmits the node ID (“ID2” in the case the finisher, for example)stored in an ROM 2202 of the apparatus 2200 back to the CPU 301. Thus,the CPU 301 can obtain the node ID of the network apparatus 2200.

Reference numeral 2201 denotes a CPU that performs a basic control ofthe network apparatus 2200, reference numeral 2202 denotes an ROM inwhich a control program and a node ID of the apparatus are written, andreference numeral 2203 denotes an RAM that serves as a work area forexecuting processings of the control program.

An input/output port 2205 is connected to an address bus and a data busand allows output of control signals to various load devices, such as amotor and a clutch, controlled by the network apparatus 2200 and inputof a sensor signal from a sensor that detects the position of a sheet orthe like.

The CPU 2201 can control the various load devices, such as a motor and aclutch, via the input-output port 2205, thereby administering thecontrol in accordance with a command from the image forming apparatus300 (control for performing punching in the case of the puncher (ID31)or control for performing a predetermined post-process or the like inthe case of the finisher (ID2), for example).

(Software Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus)

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of software stored inthe image forming apparatus 300 (the ROM 306, for example). The storagefor the software is not limited to the ROM 306. For example, anon-volatile memory or a secondary storage device, such as a hard diskdrive, may be additionally provided in the image forming apparatus 300to store the program. The software stored in the ROM 306 includes thecontrol program 350 and the application program 353 that can be executedunder the control of the CPU 301.

The control program 350 includes a load control program 352 forcontrolling various load devices, such as a motor and a clutch, in theimage forming apparatus 300 and a user interface control program 351 forcontrolling the display and input concerning system configurationmanagement on the manipulation unit 303.

The application program 353 includes a system configuration managementapplication program 354 for executing processings concerningdetermination of types and order of arrangement of apparatusesconstituting the image forming system, definition of the image formingsystem and the like.

Under the general control of the CPU 301, the system configurationmanagement application program 354 executes processings concerninggeneration and transmission of a request for the node ID of each networkapparatus 2200 and reception and management of the node ID transmittedfrom each network apparatus 2200. Based on the node ID received fromeach network apparatus 2200, the system configuration managementapplication program 354 can register the image forming system having aninitial configuration shown in FIG. 1, for example.

When the configuration of the image forming system is changed, thesystem configuration management application program 354 can modify theregistration by registering the changed configuration as an operablesystem without using a special dedicated line or the like for definingthe arrangement of the apparatuses. Thus, the order of arrangement ofthe apparatuses constituting the image forming system can be flexiblychanged.

The same advantage can be provided if the system configurationmanagement application program 354 is not implemented as an applicationprogram but implemented as software that serves the function as a partof the control program 350.

In addition, the RAM 305 stores a system configuration management table355 that contains the node IDs received as a result of execution of thesystem configuration management application program 354 and the resultof management of the node IDs. For example, the system configurationmanagement table 355 can contain combined information (systemconfiguration information) including identification information for theimage forming apparatus (ID1), the finisher (ID2), the paper feed decks(ID11, ID12, ID13) and the like (that is, the node IDs thereof) at thetime of installation of the image forming system and setting informationfor the order of arrangement of the apparatuses corresponding to theidentification information (node IDs) as initial system configurationinformation. In addition, the system configuration managementapplication program 354 can modify the setting information for the orderof arrangement of the apparatuses of the system configurationinformation in response to a change of the arrangement of theapparatuses connected to the network.

Under the control of the CPU 301, the user interface control program 351accesses the system configuration management table 355, makes a liquidcrystal display unit 420 of the manipulation unit 303 displayinformation for the types, the order of arrangement or the like of theapparatuses constituting the image forming system, and stores a changeof the system configuration in the system configuration management table355.

The storage for the system configuration management table 355 is notlimited to the RAM 305. For example, a non-volatile memory or asecondary storage device, such as a hard disk drive, may be additionallyprovided in the image forming apparatus 300 to store the systemconfiguration management table 355.

The image forming apparatus (ID1) that communicates with the apparatuses(ID11, 12, 13, ID21, 22, ID31, ID51, ID52, ID2) connected to the network101 via the communication interface (IF) 307 and defines the system forimage formation has a processing unit that registers the systemconfiguration information including a combination of the identificationinformation for identifying each apparatus connected to the network 101(see 902 and 905 in FIG. 9) and the setting information for the order ofarrangement of the apparatuses (see 901 and 904 in FIG. 9, for example)in a storage unit, such as the RAM 305. The processing unit is referredto as system configuration registering unit. Furthermore, the imageforming apparatus has a determining unit serving as a processing unit todetermine whether an apparatus corresponding to relevant identificationinformation is available or not based on the system configurationinformation and a defining unit serving as a processing unit to definethe system for image formation.

Here, the system configuration management application program 354described above can function as the system configuration registeringunit, the determining unit and the defining unit of the image formingapparatus (ID1) under the control of the CPU 301.

In addition, the image forming apparatus (ID1) has a display controlunit to make the liquid crystal display unit 420 display the result ofdetermination by the determining unit. The user interface controlprogram 351 described above can function as the display control unitunder the control of the CPU 301.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the manipulation unit 303of the image forming apparatus 300. On the manipulation unit 303, astart key 401 to start image formation, a stop key 402 to interruptimage formation, a reset key 403 to restore the display or setting tothe initial state, a ten-key pad including keys 404 to 413 for registersetting or the like, an ID key 414, a clear key 415 and a user mode key416 are arranged.

In addition, the liquid crystal display unit 420, which is a touch paneldisplay, is disposed in the upper area of the manipulation unit 303, anda soft key can be provided on the liquid crystal display screen.Typically, the liquid crystal display unit 420 displays a standardscreen as shown in FIG. 5. A user can make manipulations and settingsconcerning image formation through the screen.

In this image forming system, selections of the print count, themagnification, the single-sided/double-sided mode and the paper feedtray, and settings of the post-process mode including a non-sort mode, asort mode and a stapling mode and other application modes can be madethrough input manipulation of the manipulation unit 303. Based on theinformation input through the manipulation unit 303, the control program350 can be executed under the control of the CPU 301 to control theimage forming apparatus 300.

In addition, the system configuration information indicating thearrangement of the apparatuses of the image forming system can be setthrough manipulations of the manipulation unit 303. However, it ispreferred that this setting manipulation is not open to general usersbut permitted only to an authorized operator, such as a service personto maintain the image forming apparatus 300 or the image forming system.In this case, the user interface control program 351 authenticates themanipulations made by every operator and permits the setting of thesystem configuration information only to the operator who is permittedto make manipulations as a result of the authentication.

(Registration of System Configuration)

A processing of registration of apparatuses constituting the imageforming system will be described.

FIG. 6 shows a screen showing a system configuration currentlyregistered as the image forming system, which is displayed on the liquidcrystal display unit 420. In the case of installing a new image formingsystem having a configuration that has never been registered, or in thecase where the system configurations already registered are completelyerased, this screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 420under the display control of the CPU 301 and the user interface controlprogram 351. FIG. 6 shows a state in which only the engine (ID1), whichis the image forming apparatus, in the connection configuration shown inFIG. 1 is registered (see reference numeral 601 in FIG. 6). In the imageforming system in this state, only the engine (ID1) can operate.

If the user presses a “→ setting screen” key 602 on the screen shown inFIG. 6, the CPU 301 and the user interface control program 351 changesthe screen to a system configuration setting screen for setting thetypes and arrangement of apparatuses in the image forming system asshown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for illustrating a flow of a process of settingand registering a system configuration. The registration process startswhen the “→ setting screen” key 602 described with reference to FIG. 6is pressed. Under the control of the CPU 301, the user interface controlprogram 351 or the system configuration management application program354 executes each step of the process.

First, in step S1501, the node IDs of all the apparatuses existing onthe network 101 (network apparatuses) are retrieved. The CPU 301 of theimage forming apparatus 300 executes the system configuration managementapplication program 354 to communicate with each of the networkapparatuses 2200 connected to the network 101 via the communication IF307, thereby acquiring the node ID of each apparatus.

Then, the process proceeds to step S1502, in which a list of all thenode IDs retrieved and acquired in the preceding step S1501 isdisplayed. FIG. 7 shows a screen in which the list of the retrieved nodeIDs is displayed, and the list displayed contains the node IDs 1, 2, 11,12, 13, 21, 22, 31, 51 and 52 (denoted by reference numerals 701 and702).

After the list is displayed as shown by reference numerals 701 and 702in FIG. 7, the process proceeds to step S1503, in which the userinterface control program 351 accepts specification of the order ofarrangement of the apparatuses corresponding to the node IDs by aspecific operator, such as a service person, under the control of theCPU 301. The lists 701 and 702 shown in FIG. 7 are displayed until thespecification of the order of arrangement is completed. When thespecification is completed, and an “OK” key 703 is finally pressed (YESin S1503), the process proceeds to step S1504.

In step S1504, the user interface control program 351 displays the newlyset system configuration based on the specification of the order ofarrangement of the apparatuses, under the control of the CPU 301 (FIG.8). FIG. 8 shows a screen additionally showing information for the orderof arrangement, that is, information for the order of arrangement of theapparatuses corresponding to the node IDs acquired in step S1501.

The order of arrangement of the apparatuses located upstream of theengine (ID1) (on the right side of the ID1 in the sheet of FIG. 1) isdesignated by negative numbers (−). The order of arrangement of theapparatuses located downstream of the engine (ID1) (on the left side ofthe ID1 in the sheet of FIG. 1) is designated by positive numbers (+).The engine (ID1: image forming apparatus 300) is designated as thecenter of the image forming system, and the place thereof is designatedby “0”. For example, in the connection configuration of the imageforming system shown in FIG. 1, the places of the paper feed decks ID11,ID12 and ID13 located upstream of the engine (ID1) are designated by“−1”, “−2” and “−3”, respectively. Similarly, the places of the stackersID51 and ID52 and the finisher ID2 located downstream of the engine(ID1) are designated by “4”, “5” and “6”, respectively.

If an “OK” key 801 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 8, the userinterface control program 351 changes the screen to a screen thatdisplays a system configuration to be registered as the image formingsystem as shown in FIG. 9, under the control of the CPU 301.

In the screen shown in FIG. 9, an engine 907 is shown as the center ofthe image forming system, and the node ID 908 of the engine 907 is shownas “1”. In a column 901 showing an apparatus located upstream of theengine, a node ID column 902 and a column 903 indicating the type of thecorresponding apparatus are shown. In a column 904 showing an apparatuslocated downstream of the engine, a node ID column 905 and a column 906indicating the type of the corresponding apparatus are shown.

If the operator presses a “← setting screen” key 911 on this screen, thescreen shifts to the screen for specifying the order of arrangementshown in FIG. 8, and the operator can make a setting concerning thearrangement of the apparatuses again. During the setting concerning thearrangement of the apparatuses, the registration of the systemconfiguration is in a suspended state.

In step S1505, completion of the process of registering the systemconfiguration is waited for. Referring to FIG. 9, if the operatorpresses an “OK” button 910, the process of registering the systemconfiguration is completed (YES in step S1505, and the process proceedsto step S1506. Under the control of the CPU 301, the systemconfiguration management application program 354 stores (registers) thetypes and the order of arrangement of the set apparatuses, as the systemconfiguration information, in the system configuration management table355, and ends the process.

(Rearrangement of System Configuration)

Now, there will be described a process that occurs when the order ofarrangement of apparatuses in the image forming system described withreference to FIG. 1 is modified and a new apparatus is added to theimage forming system as shown in the connection configuration of theimage forming system in FIG. 2.

After the order of arrangement of the apparatuses is actually changed,or a new apparatus is actually added to the network 101, if a “→ settingscreen” key 912 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 9, the systemconfiguration management application program 354 communicates with thenetwork apparatuses 2200 connected to the network 101 to retrieve thenode IDs thereof again, under the control of the CPU 301. Then, based onthe node IDs acquired as a result of the retrieval, the user interfacecontrol program 351 changes the display screen to a system configurationsetting screen shown in FIG. 10. In addition to the node IDs of theengine, the paper feed decks, the inserters, the puncher, the stackersand the finisher already registered as the system configurationinformation, if the node IDs ID201 (corresponding to the trimmer) andID200 (corresponding to the PC) of other apparatuses shown in FIG. 2 aredetected, the user interface control program 351 adds the detected newnode ID 201 and ID 250 to the system configuration information and makesthe liquid crystal display unit 420 display the new node IDs (seereference numerals 1001 and 1002).

However, since the trimmer, to which the node ID ID201 corresponds, doesnot communicate the image formation command directly with the engine(ID1), the user interface control program 351 controls the displayedscreen to restrict the input of the order of arrangement so that theplace of the trimmer cannot be specified. In addition, since theinformation processing apparatus (ID200) is an apparatus that is notincluded in the system configuration information for the initialconnection configuration (an apparatus outside the image formingsystem), the input of the order of arrangement is restricted so that theplace of the information processing apparatus cannot be specified aswith the trimmer (ID201). A symbol “-” shown in order-of-arrangementinput columns 1003 for the node IDs ID201 and ID200 indicates that theinput of the order of arrangement is restricted so that the placesthereof cannot be specified.

Compared with the order of arrangement of the apparatuses in the imageforming system shown in FIG. 1, in the image forming system shown inFIG. 2, the places of the paper feed deck (ID12) and the paper feed deck(ID13) are changed with each other. To reflect this change in the systemconfiguration information, in the screen shown in FIG. 10, the place ofthe node ID ID12 is changed from “−2” to “−3”, and the place of the nodeID ID13 is changed from “−3” to “−2”. After this operation, if theoperator presses an “OK” key 1005, the user interface control program351 makes the liquid crystal display unit 420 display a systemconfiguration display screen shown in FIG. 11, under the control of theCPU 301.

In the screen shown in FIG. 11, the places of the node IDs ID12 and ID13are changed with each other (see reference numerals 1101 and 1102),compared with the order of arrangement of the apparatuses of the imageforming system in the initial state shown in FIG. 9. In addition, thenewly added trimmer (ID201) and PC (ID200) whose node IDs have beendetected are not included in the system configuration shown in FIG. 11,because the trimmer and the PC are not registered as the systemconfiguration information of the image forming system.

If the operator presses an “OK” button 910 on the displayed screen shownin FIG. 11, the system configuration management application program 354stores the newly set system configuration information in the RAM 305(system configuration management table 355) of the image formingapparatus 300 and ends the process, under the control of the CPU 301.

Through the process described above, the configuration of the imageforming system having the image forming apparatus (engine (ID1)) at thecenter thereof can be flexibly set by acquiring the node IDs of theapparatuses connected to the network and constituting the image formingsystem and specifying the order of arrangement of the apparatusescorresponding to the acquired node IDs.

(Process Upon Power-on)

A process that occurs when the system is powered on will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. It is supposed that each of theapparatuses constituting the image forming system, such as the imageforming apparatus, the paper feed apparatus and the post-processapparatus, has a switch (SW) to independently turn on and off theapparatus. FIG. 12 shows a screen showing an apparatus arrangement ofthe image forming system, which is displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay unit 420 of the image forming apparatus (engine (ID1)) when thesystem is powered on. This apparatus arrangement is based on the systemconfiguration information stored in the RAM 305, for example, and theuser interface control program 351 executes the display control underthe control of the CPU 301.

In this drawing, the paper feed deck corresponding to the node ID ID13and the stacker corresponding to the node ID ID52 are powered off. InFIG. 12, the apparatuses denoted by ID13 and ID52 are shown hatched. Inthis way, the user interface control program 351 executes the displaycontrol so that the apparatuses powered off can be discriminated fromthe other apparatuses powered on.

As shown in FIG. 12, if the paper feed deck ID13 is powered off, nosheet can be supplied from the paper feed deck (ID13), and if thestacker ID52 is powered off, no sheet can be ejected to the stacker(ID52). Furthermore, although the finisher denoted by the node ID ID2located further downstream of the powered-off stacker (ID52) viewed fromthe image forming apparatus (engine (ID1)) is powered on, the finisheris not available in the image forming system, because the stacker (nodeID ID52) is powered off, and thus no sheet can be delivered to thefinisher. The user interface control program 351 can differentiate thefinisher (ID2) in the displayed screen to show that the finisher is notavailable. In the case shown in FIG. 12, the finisher (ID2) isdiscriminated by a hatching different from that for the powered-offapparatuses (ID13 and ID52). The other apparatuses that are shown asbeing powered on (node IDs ID12 to ID51) are available.

In the case where a state in which not all the apparatuses are poweredon arises, detecting the powered-off state of some apparatus is notenough to determine whether the state arises because the user hasintentionally powered off the apparatus for the purpose of energy savingor because the user has forgot to power on the apparatus. In this case,if an apparatus that is powered off is detected, the user interfacecontrol program 351 makes the liquid crystal display unit 420 display amessage 1201 shown in FIG. 12 to call user's attention. If the user hasforgot to power on the apparatus, the user can check what apparatusshould be powered on, because the user interface control program 351makes the liquid crystal display unit 420 display the message 1201 anddisplay the powered-off apparatuses in a discriminated manner (denotedby the node IDs ID13 and ID52).

On the other hand, if the user has intentionally powered off anapparatus, the operator presses an “OK” key 1202. Then, under thecontrol of the CPU 301, the system configuration management applicationprogram 354 defines the arrangement of the apparatuses that are poweredon at the time as the image forming system. In this case, the systemconfiguration management application program 354 manages the systemconfiguration so that the image forming system is activated with aconfiguration (node IDs ID12 to ID51) excluding the powered-offapparatuses ID13 and ID52 and the unavailable apparatus ID2 from thesystem configuration information registered as the initial state.

On the other hand, if all the apparatuses are powered on when the systemis powered on, the operator check process described above is not needed.Therefore, in the case where the image forming system or the systemconfiguration information is modified, the system configurationmanagement application program 354 can activate the image forming systemwith the modified system configuration in accordance with the systemconfiguration information registered as the initial state. In this case,the user interface control program 351 controls the liquid crystaldisplay unit 420 to display a standard screen for print setting shown inFIG. 13 upon activation of the apparatus. If the image forming apparatusis still in preparation for printing at that time, a message“Preparation for printing” is displayed as shown in FIG. 13.

Once the image forming system excluding the powered-off apparatuses isdefined, the image forming apparatus informs all the powered-onapparatuses that the apparatuses can participate in the system andinforms any apparatus (the finisher (ID2) in the case shown in FIG. 12,for example) that is unavailable because an apparatus between itself andthe engine (the stacker (ID52) in the case shown in FIG. 12, forexample) is powered off that the apparatus cannot participate in thesystem.

FIG. 14 shows a message screen that is displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay unit 420 under the control of the user interface control program351 in the case where an apparatus registered as the systemconfiguration information is initially powered off and then powered onduring operation of the image forming system. As shown in FIG. 14, themessage is displayed in a pop-up window. To continue the process withthe currently defined image forming system configuration excluding thepowered-off apparatus, the user can press a “continue” key 1401 in thedisplayed screen. In response to the press on the “continue” key 1401,the user interface control program 351 changes the screen displayed onthe liquid crystal display unit 420 to the original standard screen.

On the other hand, to redefine the system including the apparatus newlypowered on, the user presses a “system define” key 1402. In response tothe press on the “system define” key, the system configurationmanagement application program 354 redefines the configuration of theimage forming system including the apparatus newly powered on. At thistime, the user interface control program 351 can control the displayedscreens shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 based on the power ON/OFF status ofeach apparatus registered in the system configuration information. If arequest for redefinition of the system is input, the systemconfiguration management application program 354 can redefine theconfiguration of the image forming system including the apparatus newlypowered on.

(Process of Defining System Configuration)

A flow of a process of defining a system configuration will bedescribed. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for illustrating a flow of a processof defining a system configuration. The process of defining a systemconfiguration occurs when the image forming apparatus 300 is powered on,or in the case where, after a system configuration is once defined atthe time of power-on, a network apparatus registered in the systemconfiguration information is powered on during operation of the imageforming apparatus 300, and the user chooses to perform systemredefinition. The process of defining a system configuration is executedby the user interface control program 351 and the system configurationmanagement application program 354 under the control of the CPU 301.

First, in step S1601 in FIG. 16, based on the system configurationinformation stored in the system configuration management table 355, theCPU 301 confirms the power ON/OFF status of each apparatus registered asthe image forming system in the initial state. For example, the powerON/OFF status of a network apparatus 2200 can be confirmed by checkingwhether the CPU 301 of the image forming apparatus 300 and the CPU 2201of the network apparatus 2200 can communicate with each other. Forexample, the CPU 301 checks whether the CPU 301 can communicate with thenetwork apparatuses 2200 at regular intervals. Thus, the CPU 301 candetermine that an apparatus initially powered off is newly powered on.

In step S1602, if all the apparatuses registered in the systemconfiguration information are powered on (YES in S1602), the processproceeds to step S1605, where the image forming system is defined basedon the registered system configuration information. On the other hand,if it is determined that not all the apparatuses registered in thesystem configuration information are powered on in step S1602 (NO inS1602), the process proceeds to step S1603.

In step S1603, under the control of the CPU 301, the user interfacecontrol program 351 makes the liquid crystal display unit 420 display aconfirmation screen to prompt the user to confirm whether to define thesystem composed of the apparatuses registered in the systemconfiguration information excluding the powered-off apparatus. Thescreen displayed in this step corresponds to the screen described abovewith reference to FIG. 12.

In step S1604, if the system is to be defined (YES in S1604), theprocess proceeds to step S1605, where the system configurationmanagement application program 354 defines the image forming systemcomposed of the apparatuses registered in the system configurationinformation excluding the powered-off apparatus.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1604 that the system isnot to be defined (NO in S1604), the process returns to step S1601, andthe confirmation of the power ON/OFF status is repeated.

If the image forming system is defined in step S1605, the processproceeds to step S1606, where the image forming apparatus transmits thesystem definition information to the powered-on apparatuses of theapparatuses registered in the system configuration information under thecontrol of the CPU 301. At the same time, the image forming apparatusinforms the unavailable apparatus that the apparatus cannot participatein the system.

In addition, if any apparatus located downstream of the image formingapparatus is powered off and therefore is unavailable, any apparatuslocated downstream of the powered-off apparatus is also unavailablebecause of the order of arrangement of the apparatuses constituting theimage forming system, and the image forming apparatus informs theapparatus that the apparatus cannot participate in the system.

In this case, the CPU 301 considers the apparatuses located upstream ofthe powered-off apparatus located downstream of the image formingapparatus 300 as available ones.

Furthermore, if any apparatus located upstream of the image formingapparatus is powered off and therefore is unavailable, any apparatuslocated upstream of the powered-off apparatus is also unavailablebecause of the order of arrangement of the apparatuses constituting theimage forming system, and the image forming apparatus informs theapparatus that the apparatus cannot participate in the system.

In this case, the CPU 301 considers the apparatuses located downstreamof the powered-off apparatus located upstream of the image formingapparatus 300 as available ones.

Then, the process proceeds to step S1607, where the CPU 301 acquiresconfiguration information from the apparatuses to which the systemdefinition information is transmitted (the powered-on apparatuses amongthe apparatuses registered in the system configuration information). Theconfiguration information includes status information concerning theoperation of the apparatus, such as information for whether a basic oroptional function of the apparatus is enabled or disabled and doorinformation, and maintenance information. After the configurationinformation is acquired from all the apparatuses, the process is ended.

In order to reduce the network traffic, of the apparatuses to which thesystem definition information is transmitted, the apparatus that isinformed that it cannot participate in the system (the finisher (ID2) inthe case shown in FIG. 12) is preferably excluded from the communicationtargets after the image forming apparatus (ID1) acquires theconfiguration information. In this case, in the image forming system,the apparatus that is informed that it cannot participate in the systemcannot be used. However, the image forming apparatus (ID1) can performmaintenance, management or the like of the apparatus based on theconfiguration information.

To carry out image formation, the image forming apparatus (ID1)identifies the basic function of each apparatus and grasps theoperational state of and the maintenance information for each apparatusbased on the configuration information for all the apparatuses to whichthe system definition information is transmitted (excluding theapparatus informed that it cannot participate in the system). Forexample, based on the basic function or the like of each apparatus, theuser interface control program 351 can control the displayed interfacescreen for inputting various possible settings, such as print range,imposing of image data, book binding settings. The image processing unit308 can carry out a predetermined image processing based on the settingsmade on the interface screen described above under the control of theCPU 301. In order that the defined image forming system can carry outthe processing corresponding to the settings made on the interfacescreen, the image forming apparatus (ID1) transmits an image formationstart command to all the apparatuses to which the system definitioninformation has been transmitted (excluding the apparatus that has beeninformed that it cannot participate in the system).

Each apparatus having received the system definition information(excluding the apparatus that has been informed that it cannotparticipate in the system) carries out a predetermined processing inaccordance with the image formation start command.

(Process of Monitoring Network)

A process of monitoring a change in connection configuration of thenetwork 101 due to removal (deletion) of an apparatus from the network101 or addition of a new apparatus thereto will be described withreference to FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for illustrating a flow of a process ofmonitoring a network. This process is carried out by the CPU 301 atregular intervals after the system is defined through the processdescribed above with reference to FIG. 16 in order to monitor a change(addition or deletion) of node IDs on the network 101.

First, in step S1701, the CPU 301 determines whether a node ID on thenetwork 101 is changed or not. If any change is not found (NO in S1701),the process returns to step S1701, and the CPU 301 continues monitoringthe network 101 for a change of node IDs.

If it is determined in step S1701 that a node ID on the network 101 ischanged (YES in S1701), the process proceeds to step S1702, where theCPU 301 determines whether the changed node ID is a node ID registeredin the system configuration information or not. If the changed node IDis not registered in the system configuration information (NO in S1702),the change of the node ID has no effect on the operation of the imageforming system. Thus, the process returns to step S1701, and the stepsS1701 and S1702 are repeated.

If it is determined in step S1702 that the changed node ID is registeredin the system configuration information (YES in S1702), the processproceeds to step S1703.

In step S1703, the CPU 301 determines whether a node ID is added (in thecase where an apparatus having been powered off is powered on duringoperation of the image forming system once defined, for example) oreliminated (in the case where an apparatus having been powered on ispowered off). In the case where a node ID is added (YES in S1703), theprocess proceeds to step S1704, where the user interface control program351 makes the liquid crystal display unit 420 display the confirmationscreen to confirm whether to redefine the system described above withreference to FIG. 14, under the control of the CPU 301.

In the case of redefining the system including the apparatus newlypowered on, the user presses the “system define” key 1402, and inresponse to the press on the “system define” key, the systemconfiguration management application program 354 defines theconfiguration of the image forming system including the apparatus newlypowered on.

If it is determined in step S1703 that a node ID is eliminated (NO inS1703), the process proceeds to step S1705, where the user interfacecontrol program 351 makes the liquid crystal display unit 420 provide awarning display (an error message display) to inform that there is apossibility that communication with the image forming apparatus (ID1)may be disabled in the following process and operation of the imageforming system may not be ensured.

The process of monitoring the network is not limited to the monitoringfor addition of a new apparatus and removal of an apparatus. Forexample, the network may be monitored for a status change of anapparatus in the image forming system that is initially powered on(activated) and then powered off during operation of the image formingsystem, thereby determining the available apparatuses to define theimage forming system. Alternatively, the network may be monitored for astatus change of an apparatus in the image forming system that isinitially powered off and then powered on during operation of the imageforming system, thereby determining the available apparatuses to definethe image forming system.

For example, the CPU 301 detects that an apparatus initially powered offis powered on. In addition, the CPU 301 detects that an apparatusinitially powered on is powered off. Thus, the CPU 301 can determinewhether each apparatus on the network can communicate with the CPU 301or not at regular intervals.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the configuration ofthe image forming system can be defined based on the systemconfiguration information concerning settings of the node IDs and theorder of arrangement of apparatuses without using a dedicated lineconnection.

A change in order of arrangement of the apparatuses constituting theimage forming system can be readily reflected in the systemconfiguration information by modifying the content thereof.

In addition, even if not all the apparatuses registered in the systemconfiguration information can be used at the time of activation of theimage forming system because some of the apparatuses are not powered on,the system configuration can be defined using the available apparatusesto ensure the operation of the image forming system.

Furthermore, even after the system is once defined, the network can bemonitored for a change of node IDs, and the system can be redefined asrequired. Therefore, even if an apparatus is powered on after the systemis defined, the newly powered on apparatus can be added to the imageforming system without affecting the apparatuses that are alreadyoperating in the defined system.

Other Embodiments

Of course, the object of the present invention can be attained byproviding a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a programcode of software to implement the functions according to the embodimentdescribed above is recorded to a system or apparatus and by a computer(CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading out and executing theprogram code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage mediumimplements the functions according to the embodiment described above,and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes a part ofthe present invention. Of course, the functions according to theembodiment described above is not implemented only by the computerexecuting the read program code, an operating system (OS) or the likerunning on the computer may perform part or whole of the actualprocessings in accordance with the instruction from the program code,thereby implementing the functions according to the embodiment describedabove.

Furthermore, of course, the program code read from the storage mediummay be written to a memory in a feature expansion card inserted in thecomputer or in a feature expansion unit connected to the computer, andthen the CPU or the like of the feature expansion card or featureexpansion unit may perform part or whole of the actual processings,thereby implementing the functions according to the embodiment describedabove.

Exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above. However, forexample, the present invention can be implemented in the form of asystem, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium or the like.Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a systemcomprising a plurality of devices or an apparatus constituted by asingle device.

According to the present invention, a software program that implementsthe functions according to the embodiment described above (in theembodiment, the programs corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.15 to 17) may be remotely or directly supplied to a system or apparatus,and a computer in the system or apparatus may read and execute thesupplied program codes.

Therefore, a program code itself that is installed in the computer tomake the computer implement the functions according to the presentinvention also constitutes a part of the present invention. In otherwords, the present invention includes a computer program itself forimplementing the functions according to the present invention.

In this case, the present invention includes any object code, anyprogram execute by an interpreter, any script data supplied to the OS orthe like as far as it functions as a program.

For example, the recording medium for supplying the program may be afloppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, amagneto-optical disk, an MO, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape,a non-volatile memory card, an ROM, a DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R).

Alternatively, as a method of supplying the program, a web site on theInternet may be accessed using a browser of a host computer, and thecomputer program itself according to the present invention or acompressed file containing an automatic installation function may bedownloaded from the web site into a recording medium, such as a harddisk. Furthermore, the program codes constituting the program accordingto the present invention may be divided into a plurality of files, andthe files may be downloaded from different web sites. In other words,the present invention includes a WWW server that allows a plurality ofusers to download the program file that makes a computer execute thefunctions according to the present invention.

Alternatively, the program according to the present invention may bedistributed to users after being encrypted and stored in a storagemedium, such as a CD-ROM. Then, users who meet a predetermined conditionmay be permitted to download key information to decrypt the encryptedprogram from a web site via the Internet and install the programdecrypted using the key information in their respective computers toexecute the program.

Alternatively, the functions according to the embodiment described aboveis not implemented only by the computer executing the read program, anOS or the like running on the computer may perform part or whole of theactual processings in accordance with the instruction from the program,thereby implementing the functions according to the embodiment describedabove.

Alternatively, the program read from the recording medium may be writtento a memory in a feature expansion card inserted in the computer or in afeature expansion unit connected to the computer, and then the CPU orthe like of the feature expansion card or feature expansion unit mayperform part or whole of the actual processings, thereby implementingthe functions according to the embodiment described above.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2005-258305, filed Sep. 6, 2005, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. An image forming apparatus located in a serial arrangement in whichthe image forming apparatus and a plurality of sheet processingapparatuses are serially arranged, the plurality of sheet processingapparatuses being located downstream of the image forming apparatus andbeing serially connected to the image forming apparatus, and the imageforming apparatus and the plurality of sheet processing apparatusesbeing connected to a network, said image forming apparatus comprising: asystem configuration registration unit configured to registeridentification information for identifying the sheet processingapparatuses and register arrangement information regarding an order inwhich the image forming apparatus and the sheet processing apparatusesare arranged in the serial arrangement; a storage unit configured tostore the identification information and the arrangement information;and a control unit configured to send commands to the sheet processingapparatuses based on the identification information and the arrangementinformation stored in the storage unit, wherein said control unitdetects unavailable sheet processing apparatus, and in a case where theunavailable sheet processing apparatus is detected, said control unitdetermines that a sheet processing apparatus that is located downstreamof the unavailable sheet processing apparatus is unavailable.
 2. Theimage forming apparatus according claim 1, further comprising anotification unit configured to notify the detected unavailable sheetprocessing apparatus and the determined unavailable sheet processingapparatus to a user.
 3. The image forming apparatus according claim 1,wherein said control unit detects, as the unavailable sheet processingapparatus, a sheet processing apparatus that cannot communicate withsaid image forming apparatus via the network.
 4. An image formingapparatus located in a serial arrangement in which the image formingapparatus and a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses are seriallyarranged, the plurality of sheet processing apparatuses being locatedupstream of the image forming apparatus and being serially connected tothe image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus and theplurality of sheet processing apparatuses being connected to a network,said image forming apparatus comprising: a system configurationregistration unit configured to register identification information foridentifying the sheet processing apparatuses and register arrangementinformation regarding an order in which the image forming apparatus andthe sheet processing apparatuses are arranged in the serial arrangement;a storage unit configured to store the identification information andthe arrangement information; and a control unit configured to sendcommands to the sheet processing apparatuses based on the identificationinformation and the arrangement information stored in the storage unit,wherein said control unit detects unavailable sheet processingapparatus, and in a case where the unavailable sheet processingapparatus is detected, said control unit determines that a sheetprocessing apparatus that is located upstream of the unavailable sheetprocessing apparatus is unavailable.
 5. The image forming apparatusaccording claim 4, further comprising a notification unit configured tonotify the detected unavailable sheet processing apparatus and thedetermined unavailable sheet processing apparatus to a user.
 6. Theimage forming apparatus according claim 4, wherein said control unitdetects, as the unavailable sheet processing apparatus, a sheetprocessing apparatus that cannot communicate with the image formingapparatus via the network.
 7. A controller for controlling an imageforming apparatus located in a serial arrangement in which the imageforming apparatus and a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses areserially arranged, the plurality of sheet processing apparatuses beinglocated downstream of the image forming apparatus and being seriallyconnected to the image forming apparatus, and the image formingapparatus and the plurality of sheet processing apparatuses beingconnected to a network, said controller comprising: a systemconfiguration registration unit configured to register identificationinformation for identifying the sheet processing apparatuses andregister arrangement information regarding an order in which the imageforming apparatus and the sheet processing apparatuses are arranged inthe serial arrangement; a storage unit configured to store theidentification information and the arrangement information; and acontrol unit configured to send commands to the sheet processingapparatuses based on the identification information and the arrangementinformation stored in the storage unit, wherein said control unitdetects unavailable sheet processing apparatus, and in a case where theunavailable sheet processing apparatus is detected, said control unitdetermines that a sheet processing apparatus that is located downstreamof the unavailable sheet processing apparatus is unavailable.
 8. Thecontroller according claim 7, further comprising a notification unitconfigured to notify the detected unavailable sheet processing apparatusand the determined unavailable sheet processing apparatus to a user. 9.The controller according claim 7, wherein said control unit detects, asthe unavailable sheet processing apparatus, a sheet processing apparatusthat cannot communicate with said image forming apparatus via thenetwork.
 10. A controller for controlling an image forming apparatuslocated in a serial arrangement in which the image forming apparatus anda plurality of sheet processing apparatuses are serially arranged, theplurality of sheet processing apparatuses being located upstream of theimage forming apparatus and being serially connected to the imageforming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus and the plurality ofsheet processing apparatuses being connected to a network, said imageforming apparatus comprising: a system configuration registration unitconfigured to register identification information for identifying thesheet processing apparatuses and register arrangement informationregarding an order in which the image forming apparatus and the sheetprocessing apparatuses are arranged in the serial arrangement; a storageunit configured to store the identification information and thearrangement information; and a control unit configured to send commandsto the sheet processing apparatuses based on the identificationinformation and the arrangement information stored in the storage unit,wherein said control unit detects unavailable sheet processingapparatus, and in a case where the unavailable sheet processingapparatus is detected, said control unit determines that a sheetprocessing apparatus that is located upstream of the unavailable sheetprocessing apparatus is unavailable.
 11. The controller according claim10, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify thedetected unavailable sheet processing apparatus and the determinedunavailable sheet processing apparatus to a user.
 12. The controlleraccording claim 10, wherein said control unit detects, as theunavailable sheet processing apparatus, a sheet processing apparatusthat cannot communicate with said image forming apparatus via thenetwork.
 13. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus locatedin a serial arrangement in which the image forming apparatus and aplurality of sheet processing apparatuses are serially arranged, theplurality of sheet processing apparatuses being located downstream ofthe image forming apparatus and being serially connected to the imageforming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus and the plurality ofsheet processing apparatuses being connected to a network, said methodcomprising: a system configuration registration step of registeringidentification information for identifying the sheet processingapparatuses and registering arrangement information regarding an orderin which the image forming apparatus and the sheet processingapparatuses are arranged in the serial arrangement; a storage step ofstoring the identification information and the arrangement information;and a control step of sending commands to the sheet processingapparatuses based on the identification information and the arrangementinformation stored in the storage step, wherein the control step detectsunavailable sheet processing apparatus, and in a case where theunavailable sheet processing apparatus is detected, the control stepdetermines that a sheet processing apparatus that is located downstreamof the unavailable sheet processing apparatus is unavailable.
 14. Amethod of controlling an image forming apparatus located in a serialarrangement in which the image forming apparatus and a plurality ofsheet processing apparatuses are serially arranged, the plurality ofsheet processing apparatuses being located upstream of the image formingapparatus and being serially connected to the image forming apparatus,and the image forming apparatus and the plurality of sheet processingapparatuses being connected to a network, said method comprising: asystem configuration registration step of registering identificationinformation for identifying the sheet processing apparatuses andregistering arrangement information regarding an order in which theimage forming apparatus and the sheet processing apparatuses arearranged in the serial arrangement; a storage step of storing theidentification information and the arrangement information; and acontrol step of sending commands to the sheet processing apparatusesbased on the identification information and the arrangement informationstored in the storage step, wherein the control step detects unavailablesheet processing apparatus, and in a case where the unavailable sheetprocessing apparatus is detected, the control step determines that asheet processing apparatus that is located upstream of the unavailablesheet processing apparatus is unavailable.